NAMM Archive
Eddie Van Halen Waxing Pickups
I read that Eddie Van Halen waxes his pickups and boils his strings. Can you tell me why he does this and how I can do it myself? Tim xxxx@cs.com Winding in the pickup tend […]
Features
Amplifiers
Radio Frequencies with a Fender Sidekick 25
Why do I hear people talking, like on an AM radio, when I turn up my Fender Sidekick 25 (SKX25R) really loud? The distortion is too loud for me to understand them. Also, I […]
Tech Ed
Guitar String Setups – Low-Action no Fret Buzz
I’ve always wondered about the string action of my guitar. You’ve worked with some of the greats. What types of setups do they prefer: high, medium, or low? And how high is high? In inches? […]
Guitars
Worn Frets – Guitar Tech Education
I own an early Eighties Charvel Strat that I absolutely love. Unfortunately, certain chords, specifically open D variations, don’t ring in tune, even when I use my tuner. It drives me nuts! My guitar teacher […]
Amplifiers
Marshall Super Lead 100 – Jimi Hendrix Setup
I bought a used Marshall Super Lead 100-watt reissue. It has four inputs: two labeled “I” and tow labeled “II”. It looks just like the Marshalls Jimi Hendrix is seen playing in some concert photos. […]
Effects
Lush Puppy Reverb with Delay Guitar Pedal
The Lush Puppy is a premium Reverb and Delay effect pedal by Kilpatrick Audio. A relative newcomer to the scene, Kilpatrick Audio offers a line of guitar effects pedals that promises players excellent sounding effects, […]
Amplifiers
Crate GX15 Gain and Volume Issues Q&A Tech advice
Q&A: I have a Crate GX15X, which has a gain channel and a lead channel with a built-in graphics EQ. I wasn’t pleased with the amp’s distortion, so I bought a Danelectro Fab Tone fuzz […]
Guitars
EMG vs. Seymour Duncan Electric Guitar Pickups
Electric guitar pickups are a touchy and subjective topic. Most long-time players have gone through a number of different types before they work out what is the best sound for them. Sometimes they will even […]
Guitars
Fight Club: Chops vs. Heart – The Age-Old Question
When it comes to guitar playing, there seem to be two main camps that most of us fall into: those that value chops and technically-based music and those who prefer more simple, earthier, played-from-the-heart styles. […]
featured
Carparelli Tele Guitars – Telecaster Guitar Knockoff
Canadian luthier Mike Carparelli, always one to push quality and design as far as they can go, has again surprised the guitar world with the introduction of the all-Canadian-made Carparelli Telecaster. These guitars are built […]